Nutrition Educator/Chef Instructor, Chicago

Common Threads is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering children and families to adopt healthy eating habits through cooking and nutrition education. Based in Chicago, Illinois, Common Threads extends its reach into schools and community settings, focusing on kids from PreK to 12th grade as well as caregivers, families, and teachers. With a mission centered around fostering lifelong wellness and nutrition literacy, Common Threads offers culturally responsive, hands-on lessons designed to be engaging and practical. They emphasize the use of fresh, quality ingredients to teach basic cooking skills alongside fundamental nutrition concepts.

The organization operates with a deep commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, aiming to create learning environments that welcome diverse populations and meet learners where they are culturally and socially. Programming is offered both in-person and virtually to accommodate various needs, reflecting modern educational adaptability. Common Threads values educators who are passionate about sharing knowledge that can transform community health one meal at a time.

The Nutrition Educator/Chef Instructor role in Chicago is an essential part-time, variable-hour position averaging 5 to 10 hours per week with some expected evening and weekend commitments. This role calls for individuals who bring passion and experience in nutrition education or culinary instruction and can serve as positive representatives of Common Threads. Educators will teach hands-on cooking and nutrition classes, deliver approved curricula with cultural responsiveness, and work closely with community members and school staff to promote healthy habits. This position combines practical teaching with interpersonal communication and organizational responsibilities such as lesson planning, grocery shopping, and class documentation.

Compensation varies based on the type of class or administrative duties performed, with rates such as $150 per cooking class (approximately six hours including preparation and cleanup), $75 per caregiver workshop (around two hours including prep and cleanup), and $20 per hour for administrative assignments. As employees of Common Threads, educators are eligible for paid sick time and can access the Employee Assistance Program resources.

Candidates should be reliable, well-organized, and adaptable to dynamic classroom settings. They must have access to reliable transportation, possess or obtain food service sanitation certification within 30 days of hire, and be comfortable teaching using modern virtual platforms with appropriate technology. The role also requires a strong commitment to the mission and values of Common Threads, emphasizing community health and education.

Overall, this position offers a meaningful opportunity to impact children’s health and wellness in Chicago by equipping young learners and their families with the skills and knowledge to make nutritious eating choices through engaging, hands-on cooking classes paired with nutrition education. The role offers flexibility and meaningful community engagement in an organization with a proven track record of improving public health through education.